Aug 24, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Ranger Suárez (back stiffness) isn't out of the woods yet, but Thursday was a step in the right direction for the lefty, according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Rob Thomson said Ranger Suárez (stiff back) "felt a lot better today," and he will play catch tomorrow.
— Lochlahn March (@lochlahn) March 20, 2025
Rob Thomson revealed Wednesday that Suárez was dealing with back stiffness:
Rob Thomson discussing Ranger Suárez’s back injury.
“The next 24-48 hours will tell us a lot.” pic.twitter.com/GEnFJe115a
— John Foley (@2008Philz) March 19, 2025
The back is a particularly concerning area for Suárez because it was at least partially responsible for derailing a potential NL Cy Young campaign last season.
Suárez got off to a scorching-hot start a year ago, going 10-4 with a 2.76 ERA. But despite being selected to the All-Star Game, Suárez didn't appear in the Midsummer Classic because of back spasms.
The Phillies hoped that rest over the break would allow Suárez to have a strong finish to the season, but that's not what happened. He went on the injured list with lower back soreness on July 27, and missed nearly a month. Even once he returned, Suárez didn't seem to be the same, as he posted a 6.04 ERA in September.
To his credit, Suárez managed to dance around trouble in Game 4 of the NLDS, scattering five hits over 4 1/3 innings of shutout ball in an eventual season-ending 4-1 loss to the New York Mets. But it was clear that Suárez wasn't right.
Staying healthy in 2025 is of added importance to Suárez, who will be a free agent after this season. Whether it's from the Phillies or another team, the Scott Boras client needs to prove he can hold up over a full season to maximize his earnings next winter. This will be his fourth season as a full-time starter, and in each of the last three seasons, he's spent time on the IL.
